FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string If Willis works with the first-string offensive line as expected, he’ll at times be matched up against Chargers interior defensive linemen Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell and Justin Eboigbe. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 There was a moment Tuesday morning during walk-throughs when Barron lined up as first-string nickel. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Defensively, the Falcons played much of their first-string front seven, or at least rotational players, throughout the first half. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Burrow and the first-string offensive line played two series, with the franchise quarterback going 5 of 6 for 39 yards. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Her shoes are already a favorite among industry insiders for their sleek appeal and excellent construction.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
In late September, the concept was thrust back into the public consciousness thanks to a Variety interview with actor Jack Innanen, who plays the Canadian himbo Paul Baker on the excellent sitcom Adults.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Olivia Rodrigo’s recent Daisy Chain Fields, despite some long food and shuttle lines, was a prime example of how organized a first-year festival can be.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
So customers could potentially come to the fourth floor in the morning to do a Lagree class, suggested Julie Gasperini, director of buying for KaDeWe group, one of the prime organizers of partners for the hub.

— Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

He’s thrived while finally given a full workload for the first time, showing terrific vision and explosion as a receiver and runner.

— Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Some of those who contributed to it brought it to Knott’s Berry Farm, where it has been fine-tuned into the terrific Ghost Town Alive!

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

But these trace elements can have an outsize effect on overall stellar characteristics.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
That means the collapse of a stellar core with an already powerful magnetic field can create a neutron star with the strongest magnetic field in the universe.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

The answer is both, with Wildwood representing a staggering achievement from the company that has given us such superb efforts as Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
Granted, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are superb smartphones, and safe choices if you're used to the status quo.

— Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

The pom-pom sandals at Givenchy were wonderful, fun, unexpected and exactly what fashion lovers are looking for from a spring runway show.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Expect to see rare bottles pulled from the shelves and all manner of weird and wonderful concoctions offered up from the menu and from their encyclopedic knowledge of drinks.

— Condé Nast, cntraveler.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

Opposite the magnificent eighteenth-century Grand Théatre, the 150-room Regent Grand perfectly mirrors the aristocratic elegance of this lovely city, thanks to the exquisite interiors of designer Jacques Garcia.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
Amazon includes eight different color choices in this sale, from the lovely Chilled Lilac or Dewdrop Mint, all the way to the basic white or black options.

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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Style

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

Example Sentences

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